Conditions/General surgery
Hernia Disease
Inguinal, umbilical, incisional, and hiatal hernia
Repair is individualized — mesh, approach, and timing depend on the hernia and your health.
A hernia is a weakness in the abdominal wall or diaphragm through which tissue can protrude. Common sites include the groin (inguinal/femoral), umbilicus, prior surgical scars (incisional), and the esophageal hiatus. Symptoms range from a painless bulge to discomfort with standing or lifting; some hernias remain quiet for years. Treatment is not one operation for everyone: selected small asymptomatic defects may be observed, while symptomatic, enlarging, or high-risk hernias are usually repaired. Open, laparoscopic, robotic, and balloonless TEP techniques each have a place when matched to anatomy, laterality, prior surgery, and overall health.
Educational figures
Tap a figure to enlarge. These English illustrations mirror the Turkish hub gallery for this condition.
Groin anatomy Balloonless TEP TEP steps Robotic repair
Type matters
Groin, umbilical, incisional, and hiatal hernias follow different pathways — one label does not fit all.
Minimally invasive options
Laparoscopic / robotic repair and balloonless TEP when anatomy and experience allow.
Emergency signs
An irreducible painful bulge, vomiting, or severe pain needs urgent evaluation for incarceration or strangulation.
Recurrence planning
Mesh choice, plane of repair, and tissue quality are planned to reduce recurrence — not to sell a brand.
Key points for patients
- When surgery is discussedTap for details
Symptomatic hernias, enlarging defects, and meaningful risk of incarceration or strangulation usually push toward repair. Asymptomatic small defects may be observed in carefully selected patients after shared decision-making.
- Open vs laparoscopic / roboticTap for details
The same anatomic goal — closing the defect and reinforcing the wall when indicated — can be reached through different approaches. Choice depends on hernia type, laterality, prior repairs, scar tissue, and surgeon experience.
- Balloonless TEPTap for details · key note insideNoteNot every groin hernia needs the same operation.
In selected inguinal hernias, total extraperitoneal repair without balloon dissection creates the preperitoneal space under direct control. It is a focused technique, not a universal upgrade for every groin hernia.
- Emergency warning signsTap for details · key note inside
Seek urgent care for a bulge that will not reduce, sudden severe pain, vomiting, fever, or a tense, tender mass. These can signal bowel compromise and should not wait for a routine clinic slot.
- Irreducible painful bulge
- Vomiting or obstipation
- Rapidly worsening pain
- Fever with a tense mass
- Recovery expectationsTap for details
Most elective repairs allow early walking; lifting restrictions and return to work depend on the repair type, mesh plane, and your job. Recurrence risk never reaches zero — technique and lifestyle still matter afterward.
Patient journey
In this hub — follow the pathway step by step. Full Turkish illustrated pages remain linked from each chapter.
- 1
Balloonless TEP Hernia Repair
Total extraperitoneal repair without balloon dissection
Continue this step → - 2
Hernia Surgery Methods
Open, TEP, and TAPP — how surgeons choose an approach
Continue this step → - 3
Robotic Hernia Repair
Robotic hernia repair: what the procedure aims to do and who it fits
Continue this step →
Patient education videos
From Dr. Dibekoğlu’s official YouTube channel.
Inguinal hernia surgery and recovery
Is there anything better than balloonless TEP?
Inguinal hernia operations
Appointment / info
Bring prior operative notes and imaging if you have them. After examination we can discuss whether observation, open repair, or a minimally invasive approach fits your hernia.
Educational information only; not a substitute for clinical evaluation.
Medical editor: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD · English patient-education hub.